Searching for an affordable place to live in Georgia, and soon? Well, you're in luck! Today, we look at the scenic byways of the Peach State, showcasing some of the most cost-effective places to call home. From energetic urban hubs to tranquil suburbs, Georgia offers a broad spectrum of affordable living options. Let's delve into these budget-friendly locales!
Columbus
Columbus, the third-largest city in Georgia, has a cost of living that is generally below the national average. Here are some factors that contribute to its affordability:
Housing: The median home price in Columbus for the month of April was has been $162,450 which is significantly lower than the national average of $440,000. This makes home ownership more achievable for residents. Rent prices are also lower here.
Utilities: The average electricity rate in Columbus, GA in 2023 was 16 ¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh), with the average customer using 1,469 kWh per month. The total monthly utilities cost for an apartment (covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) averaged at $160.
Transportation: Columbus is a city where everything is within a short drive, and the traffic is usually manageable. This can save residents money on transportation costs, but to be more specific a one-way local transport ticket costs $1.50, and a regular monthly pass is $65.00. The normal tariff for a taxi start is $4.58, and the cost per mile is $2.14. The cost of gasoline per gallon averages at $3.16
Taxes: The average property tax rate in Columbus is 1.17%. While the state income tax rate for Georgia is 5.75%.
Food: The cost of food varies by item, but for example, a gallon of milk costs around $4.13, a loaf of fresh white bread is about $3.18, and a dozen regular eggs costs $2.48
Columbus doesn't just offer affordability, it also provides a good quality of life with its parks, walking trails, cultural and arts scene, and a good sense of community. The city offers a balance of city amenities and a slower-paced, southern charm. It's definitely a city worth considering for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle in Georgia.
Macon
Macon, often known as the "Heart of Georgia," offers affordability across various aspects of living. Here's why:
Housing:
Housing is one of the biggest factors contributing to Macon's affordability. he median home price in Macon as of April 2023 is $180,000. Lower compared to Columbus, Georgia, where the median home price is $162,450
Cost of Living: The overall cost of living in Macon, which includes things like groceries, healthcare, and utilities, is generally lower than the national average.
Food: Meal prices in Macon range from $12 for an inexpensive restaurant meal to $47.50 for a mid-range three-course meal for two people. Grocery prices are also relatively affordable, with a gallon of milk costing around $3.27, a loaf of fresh white bread costing around $2.26, and a dozen regular eggs costing around $4.993.
Transportation: A one-way local transport ticket in Macon costs $0.50, and a monthly pass costs $20. The starting tariff for a taxi is $4, and the cost per mile is $6. Gasoline costs around $3.13 per gallon3.
Utilities: The average monthly cost for basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment is $165.83, and internet costs around $77.50 for a 60 Mbps or more unlimited data plan3.
Taxes: Property taxes in Macon are lower than in many parts of the country. While the state income tax rate for Georgia is 5.75%.
Macon not only offers affordability but also a rich cultural scene, historic architecture, and a strong sense of community. With its combination of affordability and southern charm, Macon is an appealing option for those seeking a more cost-effective lifestyle in Georgia.
Perry
Housing: The median listing home price in Perry, GA was $298.9K in April 2023, and the price per square foot was $162. This price trend is showing a decrease of -8.4% year-over-year. Meanwhile, the average cost of a single-family home in Perry in 2022 was $187,786, which is considered low both in the United States and in Georgia.
The median rent for all bedrooms and all property types in Perry, GA is $1,9003. For a more granular look, the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $992 per month, a two-bedroom for $1,123, a three-bedroom for $1,518, and a four-bedroom for $1,804.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Perry, Georgia is classified as low in the United States context and high in Georgia. The median household income in Perry is $70,313, which is high in the United States and the highest in Georgia.
Taxes: The sales tax rate in Perry, Georgia is 7.5%, and the average property taxes paid last year was 1.0%.
Utilities: On average, Perry, GA residents spend about $173 per month on electricity, adding up to $2,076 per year, which is 4% higher than the national average electric bill of $1,991. Georgia drivers are now paying an average price of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find specific data for the average water cost in Perry, Georgia.
Dalton
Housing: As of June 2023, the median home price in Dalton is $259,900, indicating that home ownership could indeed be more accessible for many compared to regions with a higher median home price1. Regarding rental prices, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $928, for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,097, and for a three-bedroom apartment is $1,2982.
Cost of Living: The overall cost of living in Dalton seems to be lower than the national average, with everyday items and services being more affordable. For example, the cost for an inexpensive meal at a restaurant is around $36.00, and a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs about $65.00. Grocery prices range from $3.36 for a gallon of milk to $8.11 for a pound of chicken fillets. Additionally, a basic bundle of utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment is about $242.89 per month3.
Transportation: Although I couldn't find specific numbers on the cost of public transportation in Dalton, the cost of gasoline is $3.09 per gallon. The cost of a taxi start is $7.00, and the fare for one mile is $1.003.
Taxes: Property taxes in Dalton are indeed lower than in many parts of the U.S. The city projects property tax revenues in 2023 of $9.3 million, which equates to approximately $8.1 million when excluding late 2022 payments. This projection was calculated at the "roll back" millage rate, with no increase in the property tax rate expected. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find the specific property tax rate or a comparison to the national average during this session.
Utilities: As mentioned earlier, the cost of utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, for a 915 sq ft apartment is around $242.89 per month. Additionally, the cost for internet service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) is around $57.85 per month.
In conclusion, Dalton does seem to offer an affordable cost of living compared to many parts of the U.S., from housing prices to the costs of utilities and groceries. However, for a full understanding of what life in Dalton might cost, you might also want to consider factors such as healthcare costs, insurance rates, and personal lifestyle choices, which I wasn't able to delve into during this session.
Jonesboro
Housing: The median home price in Jonesboro, GA is approximately $205,500. The average rent in Jonesboro, GA as of June 2023 is $1,313 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,531 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $1,683 for a three-bedroom apartment1.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Jonesboro, GA can be broken down as follows (all prices are approximate): an inexpensive meal at a restaurant costs $10-$15, a gallon of milk is around $3.05, a loaf of bread is about $2.39, and a monthly utility bill for a 915 sq ft apartment is around $156.12. These examples demonstrate that everyday expenses in Jonesboro are reasonably priced3.
Transportation: Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find specific transportation costs for Jonesboro. However, the city's proximity to Atlanta and its smaller size may contribute to lower transportation costs for residents.
Taxes: I also couldn't find specific tax information for Jonesboro within the allotted time. However, the property taxes in Georgia are generally lower than the national average, which could make a significant difference in yearly expenses and add to the affordability of living in Jonesboro.
Utilities: The average cost of basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment is about $156.12 per month in Jonesboro, which is generally cheaper compared to other parts of the U.S.
Beyond its affordability, Jonesboro offers a sense of community, historical charm as the setting for "Gone With The Wind," and proximity to the vibrant city of Atlanta. The balance of affordability and quality of life makes Jonesboro a city worth considering for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Georgia.
Grovetown
Housing: As of April 2023, the average home price in Grovetown is $274,000. As for rentals, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Grovetown as of June 2023 is $1,270.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Grovetown is 10.2% lower than the national average, and the area's prices have gone up by 1.5% from the previous year.
Transportation: Transportation costs in Grovetown are approximately 9.4% lower than the U.S. average, as the city has a transportation cost index of 90.6 where 100 represents the national average.
Taxes: The property tax rate for Grovetown in 2022 was 7.62 mills. A mill is a tax rate of $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value, so for a home valued at the average price of $274,000, annual property taxes would be approximately $2,087.28.
Utilities: On average, Grovetown residents spend about $145 per month on electricity, which is 17% lower than the national average electric bill.
In addition to its affordability, Grovetown offers a more relaxed, suburban lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of Augusta. It's a safe place with good schools, making it a great choice for families. If you're seeking a place with affordable living in Georgia, Grovetown is worth considering.
Conclusion:
Georgia is home to numerous cities that offer an affordable cost of living, including Macon, Columbus, Perry, Dalton, Jonesboro, and Grovetown. Each of these cities has lower than average housing costs, along with other living expenses such as utilities, groceries, and transportation. Furthermore, the state's low property tax rates help to make homeownership more accessible. These cities also offer a great quality of life, with close-knit communities, rich histories, and access to numerous amenities. Whether you're looking for a quiet suburban atmosphere or proximity to a bustling city, there's a cost-effective option for you in Georgia. Remember, the right place for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences, so it's important to do your own research,talk with an expert and visit these places if possible.
Website References:
https://www.coldwellbanker.com
https://www.apartments.com
https://www.numbeo.com/
https://www.daltonga.gov/
https://www.zumper.com/rent-research.
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Georgia Estate